Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death globally, with an estimated 32% of global deaths happening due to CVD. Of these deaths, an approximate 85% were due to heart attacks and stroke. According to the Singapore Heart Foundation, around 23 people die every day due to CVD in Singapore, with CVD accounting for around 31.4% of all deaths in 2022.
The World Health Organisation reports that almost half (48%) of CVD related deaths occur prematurely, among those aged 30-70 which imposes significant socioeconomic burdens on families, communities and countries.
Hence, for World Heart Day 2025, it is important to realise the importance of taking care of your heart health by taking actions to better prevent, detect and manage cardiovascular diseases.
Some important behavioural risk factors of CVD include an unhealthy diet that is high in trans and saturated fats and sodium, living a sedentary lifestyle, smoking and the use of tobacco products, and the overconsumption of alcohol.
These behavioural risk factors may present in you as high blood pressure, high blood glucose levels, high blood lipids (fats), and being overweight or obese. The National Population Healthy Survey reports that over one in three Singaporeans aged between 18 to 74 has hypertension, while the Ministry of Health states that approximately one in twelve Singaporeans suffer from diabetes.
Other risk factors of CVD also include stress and hereditary factors.
Drug treatments of hypertension, diabetes and high blood lipids can help to reduce your cardiovascular risk and prevent heart attacks and strokes among people that exhibit symptoms of CVD.
Cessation of tobacco use, reducing your intake of sodium and bad fats, eating more fruits and vegetables, drinking alcohol in moderation and exercising regularly have been shown to reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease.
You can also go for regular health screenings to better monitor your heart health by alerting you of any concerning signs of CVD early. It’s never too late to take charge of your heart health.
In Singapore, 21 people die from cardiovascular disease every day. In 2021, cardiovascular disease accounted for 32% – or around one in three – of all local deaths. Dr. Gerard Leong discusses this topic and more in the article below.
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The heart is one of the most important organs in the human body. Located in the chest on the left, the heart pumps blood throughout the body via the circulatory system, supplying oxygen and nutrients.
A healthy heart is essential to good health. In fact, a healthy human heart beats about 100,000 times a day, with an average adult’s heart beating about 60 to 80 times per minute.
Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) is a term that houses all conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels.
This resource provides information about heart health, including:
Heart health is the overall well-being of your cardiovascular system, which consists of your heart and blood vessels. It encompasses the prevention, diagnosis, and management of conditions that affect the heart and circulatory system, collectively known as cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). A healthy heart functions to efficiently pump blood throughout your body, delivering oxygen and nutrients to your organs and tissues. It is important to maintain good heart health for your overall well-being and longevity.
Importance of Heart Health
Heart disease is caused by a complex interplay of factors, including:
Disease Heart disease symptoms vary depending on the type of heart disease. However, some general signs and symptoms include:
Important Note: These symptoms may also be indicative of other health conditions. Speak to our Specialists today for a proper evaluation and diagnosis.
Here are some helpful ways to improve your heart health:
Our panel of specialists cover a wide range of heart conditions to meet your needs.